The Most Important C

The most important “C” to keep in mind when acting as a change agent is Consciousness of Self.  No matter how many people are involved- four, forty, or four hundred- the only person that I have control over is me.  I cannot make my roommate do something; I cannot make my officers do something; I cannot make other Greeks do something.  But I can make myself do something.  This action, though, will only occur if I know my values, desires, and goals.  If I do not know what I value, I cannot expect to build a Common Purpose around my values because obviously I do not know what they are.  I also cannot promote Controversy with Civility because I will have nothing to fight for, no goals and desires to push for.  Additionally, I cannot align myself with values (congruence) and remain consistent with them if I have yet to identify them.  And quite obviously, I cannot commit to my goals if they are absent.  Clearly, in order to initiate any type of change, one must first be aware of who they are as a person and what they stand for.

I think the biggest challenge to becoming a change agent is getting yourself prepared.  This involves outlining values and goals, and showing them consistently.  Once you are confident in who you are and what you want, it is easier for people to jump on board with you.  If you are unsure, people will notice your uncertainty and be hesitant in creating a common purpose and committing to it.  It all comes back to you.  Know who you are, know what you value, know where you want to go.